i own a 1997 Honda Accord 4 cyl which needs the O-2 sensor replaced. i do a lot of repair work myself. is this a job that a dealership needs to do or is it a fairly simple repair?

 

It is simple, you need to jack the car up and look under neath. The o2 sensor will be just before the catalyctic converter. You might want to spray some penetrating oil and let it sit for 10 minutes before start removing. The job should take less than 30 mintues to be done.

 

eh? what engine is it? mine is also a 97' but it doesnt have an O2 sensor

 

If you have a DX, SE or LX model.... the o2 sensor is going to be at the heat shield, the silver thing on top of you exhaust manifold that has a "hand" saying "hot".
If you have EX, it is under the car, just before the first cat....

 

If your car has under 150K miles that's covered under warranty.